An awkward exchange between Presidents Erdoğan and Trump drew attention after Erdoğan’s personal hijabi translator hesitated to interpret, declined a handshake, and nearly stumbled when Trump patted her on the back.
🚨⚡️UNUSUAL
Turkish President Erdoğan's insistence on bringing his personal translator, the "hijabi" one, during his greeting to President Trump was notable, but she was slow in translating and refused to shake his hand.
The two presidents exchanged words in their own languages… pic.twitter.com/Mz2tuF2vuh
— RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) October 14, 2025
Turkish President Erdoğan’s insistence on bringing his personal translator, the “hijabi” one, during his greeting to President Trump was notable, but she was slow in translating and refused to shake his hand.
The two presidents exchanged words in their own languages without mutual understanding, before pausing and smiling for the cameras, signaling with an “OK” sign.
And upon farewell, the American president patted her on the back, nearly causing her to stumble.